Transformable Furniture

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of an article of transformable furniture comprising movable and removable cushioned components that have specific relative dimensions and forms that allow for a minimum of three furniture configurations. Two of the components being wedge-like cushioned pieces ( 21   a,    21   b ) designed specifically to be arrangeable in manner providing one configuration selected from the group consisting of a couch, a chaise longue, or a small bed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The application relates to an article of furniture, and morespecifically to a furniture piece that is transformable into one ofseveral various furniture forms.

2. Prior Art

Furniture that is convertible between two forms is convenient forproviding more options for different situations and for taking less roomthan two different pieces with singular functions. A furniture piecethat has the versatility to convert back and forth between three or moreforms is even superior. Unfortunately, a great number of the furniturecurrently available that are transformable from one furniture type toanother require complex mechanical parts. For example, Bergstrom U.S.Pat. No. 2,328,411 (1943), Horenkamp U.S. Pat. No. 4,672,696 (1987), andGriepentrog U.S. Pat. No. 7607180 (2009) can be transformed intodifferent types of furniture but require complex sets of levers, wheels,springs, and other components. Designs requiring such mechanical partsto function fully incur greater construction cost with greatercomplexity and may require the manipulation of strong springs, levers ora heavy piece of the furniture.

Other pieces of furniture can be problematic when they consume varyingfloor space in different configurations. Delmestri U.S. Pat. No.7,685,655 (2010) requires approximately twice the floor space whenconverted to a “sleeper mode.” Moreover, Delmestri U.S. Pat. No.7,685,655 (2010) provides only two furniture types, “sleeper mode” and a“sofa mode.”

Some furniture pieces require the user to move or lift the entire pieceof the furniture to make the transformation such as Lillard U.S. Pat.No. 3,742,526 (1973) which is also limited to two modes, a chair andchaise longue. Moreover, the design of Lillard U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,526(1973) ties the height of the furniture to the type of furniture, i.e.when the piece is arranged as a chaise longue its seating area is closerto the ground than the chair form which can be an inconvenience if theheight relative to other furniture pieces such as a coffee table or anentertainment center is a factor. Lillard U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,526 (1973)also triples the amount of floor area required when converted into achaise longue which can be disruptive if a room was arranged around thesmaller footprint of the chair form.

Thus several advantages of one or more aspects are to provide afurniture pieces as a platform and method for a user to obtain severalconfigurations of its components to achieve one of three or morefurniture types with fast and simple arranging of components that arenot awkwardly large or substantially heavy. Other ideal advantagesinclude achieving any one of several configurations without needingcomplex and expensive mechanical components and without substantialchange in the required floor space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment an article of furniture made ofindependent components that can easily be transformed into one ofvarious furniture types afforded by the specially calibrated geometriesof the components.

DRAWINGS-FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective of the furniture piece in a couch formation.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the furniture piece in a couch formation withnotation.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the furniture piece in a couchformation.

FIG. 4 is another elevational view of the furniture piece in a couchformation.

FIG. 5 is a perspective of the wedge-like form component when separatedfrom other components.

FIG. 6A to 6C are elevational views of the wedge-like form showingoptional positioning on a horizontal surface.

FIG. 6D is an elevational view of two wedge-like forms stacked.

FIG. 6E is an elevational view of an alternative method of stacking twowedge-like forms.

FIG. 7 is a perspective of the furniture piece in a chaise longueformation.

FIG. 8 is a elevational view of two components juxtaposed.

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the furniture piece in a chaise longueformation.

FIG. 10 is a perspective of the furniture piece in a bed formation.

FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the furniture piece in a bedformation.

FIG. 12 is a perspective of the frame without cushioned components.

FIG. 13 is a perspective detail of a method of attaching two components.

FIG. 14 is a perspective of an alternative embodiment in couchformation.

FIG. 15 is a perspective of an alternative embodiment in chaise longueformation.

FIG. 16 is a perspective of an alternative embodiment in bed formation.

FIG. 17A to 17C are perspectives of alternative shapes of the wedge-likeform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment comprising a base orframe 24 supporting several cushioned geometric forms such as the longhorizontal piece 22, comprising foam, and the vertical support piece 23.Two wedge-like pieces 21 a and 21 b, and rectangular side pieces 25 aand 25 b rest upon the long horizontal piece 22. I presently contemplatethat the long horizontal piece 22 and the two smaller rectangular sidepieces 25 a and 25 b are connected while the cushioned wedge-like pieces21 a and 21 b, the vertical support piece 23, and the frame 24 as shownin FIG. 1 are independent and separable, however it is only necessarythat components 21 a and 21 b be wholly independent for achieving theobjective of transformability. Other valid embodiments can includeeffective fusions of two or more components like said frame 24 to saidlong horizontal piece 22.

The components of the first embodiment can be arranged into the form ofa couch as can be seen in FIG. 1. The long horizontal piece 22 providesa seating surface. The wedge-like pieces 21 a and 21 b provide an areafor a user or users to rest their backs. The wedge-like pieces 21 a and21 b are supported by the vertical support piece 23 which in turn issupported by the frame 24. The couch-forming arrangement of wedge-likepieces 21 a and 21 b, the vertical support piece 23, and the frame 24can also be seen in plan view in FIG. 2. The rectangular side pieces 25a and 25 b provide support as arm rests on the sides as illustrated inFIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows how long horizontal piece 22 and vertical supportpiece 23 are supported by the frame 24 in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows how each wedge-like piece 21 a or 21 b is independent fromthe other components which is key to the transformational abilities ofthe first embodiment. The wedge-like piece or pieces can be arranged inseveral positions as illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6E. As can be seenin FIG. 7 the wedge-like pieces 21 a and 21 b can also be placedperpendicular to the long axis of the long horizontal piece 22.

In combination with the rotational variations, the geometry of thewedge-like pieces 21 a and 21 b allow for a variety of configurationsbecause the dimensions of the components relative to each other providefor it. Specifically, the wedge-like pieces 21 a and 21 b have a widthequivalent to the depth of the long horizontal piece 22 so that, as seenin FIG. 7, the wedge-like pieces fully span the long horizontal piecefrom front to back. The width of the vertical support piece 23, as canbe seen in FIG. 2, is equivalent to the combined widths of the twowedge-like pieces 21 a and 21 b juxtaposed. Transitively, the width ofthe vertical support piece 23 is equal to twice the depth of the longhorizontal piece 22.

In detail, FIG. 2. illustrates key dimensions in relation to each other.The width value w of one wedge-like piece 21 a or 21 b is equal to thedepth d of the long horizontal piece 22. The width w of one wedge-likepiece is also equal to one half of the width v of the vertical supportpiece 23.

One side of the wedge-like pieces 21 a and 21 b is of the samedimensions as a long side of the rectangular side pieces 25 a and 25 b,as illustrated in FIG. 8, so that the combination of one of thewedge-like pieces with one of the rectangular side pieces in this mannerwill create a continuous form that can provide a head rest. Asillustrated in FIG. 7, it can also provide a platform for creating achaise longue by incorporating or stacking the second wedge-like pieceto create an inclined surface. In this formation the adjacentrectangular side piece 25 a provides a support for the user's elbow.FIG. 7 also shows how the other rectangular form 25 b is repositionedthereby completing the chaise longue form. A user can now use the chaiselongue in a variety of ways including sitting along the long axis of thehorizontal piece 22 and resting his or her back on the stackedwedge-like pieces 21 a and 21 b or alternatively resting to one side,higher up, with the torso on the wedge-like pieces and an elbow on therectangular side piece 25 a.

FIG. 9 illustrates how the rectangular side piece 25 b (and 25 a) isattached to the long horizontal piece 22 in the first embodiment. Theattachment is solely along one corner edge of the long horizontal piece22 to a corner edge of each rectangular side piece 25 a and 25 b. Thisline of attachment creates an axis or pivoting line that allows therectangular side pieces 25 a and 25 b to roll around to a lower positionand hang from the line of attachment.

Completely removing both of the wedge-like pieces and rolling bothrectangular side pieces 25 a and 25 b to their lower hanging positionscreates an unobstructed space across the long horizontal piece 22 as isillustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. This arrangement creates a smallcomfortable bed.

I presently contemplate the frame 24 in the first embodiment comprisingsteel tubing and plywood however it may be made of other materials suchas plastic or simply metal only, or incorporated more permanently withsome of the cushioned components as long as the functions heretoforedescribed are not impeded. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the frame of thefirst embodiment, made of welded steel tubes 26, supports and combinestwo planes of plywood, a horizontal plywood piece 27 and a verticalplywood piece 28.

I presently contemplate the rectangular side pieces 25 a and 25 b areattached along one corner's edge by being of the same continuous fabricmaterial used in the long horizontal piece 22 but, as illustrated inFIG. 12, can be connected by a zipper 29 in an alternate embodiment.

I presently contemplate the use of rectangular side pieces with firstembodiment, however an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and16 differs in that it functions fully without the use of the rectangularside pieces. This embodiment similarly provides a platform for atransformable furniture piece into the options of a couch form, a chaiselongue form, or a small bed. The couch form of the this embodiment is acouch form without arm rests. The chaise longue form of the thisembodiment is a chaise longue without an elbow support.

I presently contemplate the wedge-like pieces to have a profile of anexact triangle however the wedge-like piece can have one more truncatedcorners as shown in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B or rounded corners as shown inFIG. 17C.

Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope

Accordingly the reader will see that, according to one embodiment, Ihave provided a novel article of furniture that can be transformed intoa minimum of three configurations, and can be transformed more easilywithout the need of expensive or complex mechanical components, and canbe transformed without requiring a substantial change in occupied floorspace. The unique geometry of the independent components, that cancombine in various manners to create various furniture types, provides amore affordable transformable furniture piece for the average consumer.Employing unique geometry instead of complex mechanical components costsmuch less and is a major advantage over current transformable furniturepieces.

While the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope of any embodiment, but asexemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof Manyother ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings ofthe various embodiments. For example, variant but true forms of a couch,chaise longue, and bed are achievable without the presence of therectangular side pieces; some of the various independent components canbe effectively fused together in to singular forms such as the frame andthe long horizontal piece, etc.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.

1. An article of furniture comprising: a) a supporting frame, b)cushioned seating piece, c) a back support piece, and d) a pair ofseparable cushioned wedge-like pieces, whereby the dimensions of the allthe pieces are calibrated such that the simple adjustment of thelocation of said wedge-like pieces can transform the furniture pieceinto a couch, a chaise longue, or a bed.
 2. The article of furniture ofclaim 1 wherein said wedge-like pieces provide the back rest of saidcouch when placed upright against the back support piece.
 3. The articleof furniture of claim 1 wherein said wedge-like pieces provide areclining area of the chaise longue when said wedge-like pieces arestacked so as to create an inclined form perpendicular to the backsupport piece that spans the entire depth of said cushioned seatingpiece.
 4. The article of furniture of claim 1 wherein the dimension ofthe width of the back support piece is equal to the width of two saidwedge-like pieces juxtaposed, whereby two said wedge-like pieces arefully supported by the back support piece.
 5. The article of furnitureof claim 1 wherein the dimension of the depth the seating piece is equalto the width of said wedge-like piece, whereby said wedge-like piecesspan the entire depth of the seating area when turned 90 degrees on ahorizontal axis, rotated along a vertical axis and stacked to configurethe chaise longue.
 6. The article of furniture of claim 1 wherein thewedge-like pieces are completely removable, whereby the resultingconfiguration is a bed.
 7. An article of furniture comprising: a) asupporting frame, b) cushioned seating piece, c) a back support piece,and d) a pair of separable cushioned wedge-like pieces, e) a pair ofcushioned rectangular side pieces, whereby the dimensions of the all thepieces are calibrated such that the simple adjustment of the location ofsaid wedge-like pieces and said rectangular side pieces can transformthe furniture piece into a couch, a chaise longue, or a bed.
 8. Thearticle of furniture of claim 7 wherein said wedge-like pieces providethe back rest of said couch when placed upright against the back supportpiece.
 9. The article of furniture of claim 7 wherein said wedge-likepieces provide a reclining area of the chaise longue when saidwedge-like pieces are stacked so as to create an inclined formperpendicular to the back support piece that spans the entire depth ofsaid cushioned seating piece.
 10. The article of furniture of claim 7wherein the dimension of the width of the back support piece is equal tothe width of two said wedge-like pieces juxtaposed, whereby two saidwedge-like pieces are fully supported by the back support piece.
 11. Thearticle of furniture of claim 7 wherein said side pieces are completelyremovable.
 12. The article of furniture of claim 7 wherein said sidepieces are connected to said seating piece by continuous fabric.
 13. Thearticle of furniture of claim 7 wherein said side pieces are connectedto said seating piece by zippers.
 14. The article of furniture of claim7 wherein said side pieces are connected to said seating piece by fabricor zippers and is pivotable along the line of connection, whereby saidside pieces can move back and forth between sitting on top of theseating piece to hanging beside it.
 15. The article of furniture ofclaim 7 wherein the dimension of the depth the seating piece is equal tothe width of said wedge-like piece, whereby said wedge-like piece spanthe entire depth of the seating area when turned 90 degrees on ahorizontal axis, rotated along a vertical axis and stacked as part ofthe configuration of said chaise longue.
 16. The article of furniture ofclaim 7 wherein said wedge-like pieces are completely removable, wherebythe resulting configuration is said bed when said side pieces are alsoremoved or rotated to a lower position.
 17. The article of furniture ofclaim 7 wherein said wedge-like piece shares two dimensional values withsaid rectangular side piece so that said wedge-like piece andrectangular piece have a planar face of equal area and equal lineardimensions and where the two faces can butt join and create atopologically smooth transition from one piece to the other increasingthe comfort of the total form.